OCEANSIDE COUNCIL APPROVES ITS FIRST ETHICS CODE

Facing a public backlash over infighting, campaign contributions and alleged conflicts of interest, the Oceanside City Council unanimously approved its first code of ethics.

“This is a start,” said Councilwoman Esther Sanchez before Wednesday’s vote. The need for a policy is evident from the efforts under way to recall two council members (including herself) and for a referendum to overturn the council’s recent approval of a controversial Morro Hills development project, she said.

“We need to respect each other, and we need to respect the public,” Sanchez said, noting that she too at times has been critical of her fellow council members. “Sometimes it gets personal ... we need to do better.”

Residents said the policy should go further to include more specifics and penalties. Some suggested the city should limit campaign

contributions, or not allow council members to vote on projects proposed by developers who contribute to their election campaigns.

“More, please,” said resident Arleen Hammerschmidt at Wednesday’s meeting. “It’s a step in the right direction, but it needs teeth.”

The adopted ethics policy applies to the City Council, city treasurer, city clerk, council aides and members of all city boards, committees and commissions.

It states that the officials should “act in the public interest,” comply with the law, “avoid even the appearance of impropriety,” and “refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges or verbal attacks.” Decisions should be based on merit and made with an open mind. The policy also covers how to handle gifts and favors, confidential information, the use of public resources, private interests, advocacy and more.

However, it provides no sanctions or penalties other than “public censure.” Appointees can be removed from public office by a majority vote of the council.

“This ... really does need meat on the bones,” said resident Diane Nygaard. “There is a big difference between guidelines and prohibitions. This is only guidelines.” Councilman Christopher Rodriguez called the policy “a monumental step forward” and said it’s up to the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission to regulate campaign contributions.

He and others said that once the policy is in place, the council can modify it if necessary.

Rodriguez and Sanchez are both the targets of residents trying to collect enough signatures to place their recall on an upcoming ballot, possibly in November. The Sanchez effort cites her alleged “inability to work with her peers,” while the Rodriguez recall is based largely on his support for the North River Farms mixed-use residential project approved for his council district. The referendum is an effort to overturn the council’s approval of North River Farms.

Last year, the El Cajon City Council adopted a similar code of conduct for the council and its appointees.

The city of San Diego has an Ethics Commission that in 2018 levied an $11,000 fine on Civic San Diego board member Phil Rath for conflict-of-interest violations. A year earlier, the commission fined City Councilman Chris Cate $5,000 for sharing a confidential document with developers.